Assist structure for shower or bath

ABSTRACT

This document discusses, among other things an assist structure that includes a mount structure configured to mount above a shower or bath wall, and a support structure configured to couple to the mount structure, extend downward over the shower or bath wall, and contact the shower or bath wall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/578,791, filed Oct. 30, 2017, entitled “ASSISTSTRUCTURE FOR SHOWER OR BATH”, which is incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to bathroom assist structures, and moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems, devices, andmethods to provide an assist structure for a human occupant of a showeror bath.

BACKGROUND

Showers and bathtubs can be hazardous for an occupant, especially whenthe occupant is unsteady or prone to falling or imbalance. A fall in ashower or bath can be particularly problematic due to a variety offactors, such as the likelihood that the occupant will be alone or at adistance from a person who can observe a fall or provide assistance, thepresence or hard or sharp objects and slippery surfaces, and theawkwardness of asking for help in a shower or bath situation. The riskof a fall in a shower or bath can force a senior citizen or other personwith a disability or physical challenge to choose between safety, andfreedom or independence.

SUMMARY

This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods toprovide an assist structure for a shower occupant above a shower or bathwall.

An example (e.g., “Example 1”) of subject matter (e.g., a system,device, kit or method) may include an assist structure that includes amount structure configured to mount above a shower or bath wall, and asupport structure configured to couple to the mount structure, extenddownward over the shower or bath wall, and contact the shower or bathwall.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally beconfigured such that the support structure includes a hand holdstructure configured to support to a human shower occupant.

In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 mayoptionally be configured to further include a spacer coupled to thesupport structure, the spacer configured to contact the shower or bathwall.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3 mayoptionally be configured such that the mount structure includes a railconfigured to install against a wall above the shower or bath wall, andthe support structure is configured couple to the rail.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 mayoptionally be configured such that the rail provides a secure mountingconnection to hold the support structure without penetration of theshower or bath wall.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 mayoptionally be configured such that the mount structure includes amounting plate configured to couple to the mount structure, the supportstructure being coupled to the mounting plate.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 mayoptionally be configured such that the mounting plate is slidablycoupled to the mount structure.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 mayoptionally be configured such that the mounting plate is selectivelysecurable to the mount structure to prevent sliding of the mountingplate with respect to the mount structure.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 mayoptionally be configured such that the support structure includes afirst member coupled to the mount structure and extending downward overthe shower or bath wall, a second member coupled to the mount structureand extending downward over the shower or bath wall, and a firstcrossbar extending between the first member and the second member.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 mayoptionally be configured to further include a second crossbar extendingbetween the first member and the second member.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10may optionally be configured to further include a first spacer coupledto the first member at an intersection of the first crossbar with thefirst member, and a second spacer coupled to the second member at anintersection of the first crossbar with the second member.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11may optionally be configured such that the first spacer includes asuction cup.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-12may optionally be configured to further include a suction cup coupled tothe support structure.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-13may optionally be configured such that the suction cup includes athreaded member and the support structure includes a threaded hole, thethreaded member being configured to screw into the threaded hole tosecure the suction cup to the support structure.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-14may optionally be configured such that the support structure includes ashelf or basket.

An example: (e.g., “Example 16”) of subject matter (e.g., a system,device, kit or method) may include an assist kit for providing a handsupport to a shower or bath occupant without puncturing a waterproofsurface. The kit may include a mount structure configured to mount to awall above a waterproof shower or bath surface, and a support structurethat may include a first portion configured to couple to the mountstructure, a second portion extending downward from the first portion, awall-facing portion coupled to the second portion, the wall-facingportion configured to contact a waterproof shower or bath surface, ahand hold structure coupled to the second portion of the supportstructure, the hand hold structure configured to support a shower orbath occupant. When the kit is installed in a shower or bath the handhold structure is supported by the wall above the shower or bath surfacewithout puncturing the waterproof shower or bath surface. Thewall-facing portion may, for example, be a suction cup or a bumper.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 may optionally beconfigured such that the mount structure and the support structure are aunitary structure. In various examples, components of the supportstructure may be produced as an integral molded part or combination ofassembled parts, or may be, welded, bolted or otherwise coupled orconnected together to provide a unitary structure that can be mounted tothe wall.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 15-16may optionally be configured such that the mount structure includes arail having a top lip and a bottom lip that together define a sideprofile, and a mounting plate sized and shaped to securely fit withinthe side profile, the mounting plate being slidably coupled to the railunder the top lip and the bottom lip.

An example (e.g., “Example 19”) of subject matter (e.g., a system,device, kit or method) may include installing an assist structure in abath or shower stall by installing a mounting member to a wall above thebath or shower stall, coupling a support structure to the mountingmember, and positioning a lower part of the support structure in thebath or shower stall without making a hole in the shower stall.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 19 mayoptionally be configured such that installing a mounting member to awall above the bath or shower stall includes mounting a rail to thewall, and the method includes slidably coupling the support structure tothe rail and fixing the support structure with respect to the rail toprevent sliding; and wherein positioning the lower part of the supportstructure to the shower stall includes coupling the support structure tothe shower or bath stall with a suction cup.

An example (e.g., “Example 21”) of subject matter (e.g., a system orapparatus) may optionally combine any portion or combination of anyportion of any one or more of Examples 1-20 to include “means for”performing any portion of any one or more of the functions or methods ofExamples 1-20.

This summary is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of thepresent patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusiveor exhaustive explanation of the disclosure. The detailed description isincluded to provide further information about the present patentapplication. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to personsskilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detaileddescription and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each ofwhich are not to be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example assist structure mounted on a bath wall.

FIG. 2A is a perspective end view of a rail.

FIG. 2B is an end view of a mounting plate that is insertable from afront surface and rotatable into an engaged position with the rail.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a mounting plate being inserted into an endof a rail.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a top portion of the support structure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of example suction cups on a supportstructure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a top portion of an example support structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of an example rail.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example suction cup mounted to a supportstructure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the structure of FIG. 6 assembled into therail of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 10-20 are illustration of example assist structures with examplesupport structure configurations.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of first and second support structuresinstalled in a bath or shower stall.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustration of an example method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A fall in a bath or shower can cause serious injuries. To reduce thelikelihood of a fall, a support structure can be installed in a showeror bath. Installing a support structure by penetrating a waterproof wallin the shower or bath can be undesirable for a variety of reasons, suchas the potential for leaks around mounting holes and the relativepermanence of the installation in the shower or bath. The presentinventor has recognized, among other things, that an assist structurecan be configured for mounting to a wall above a shower or bath toprovide a structurally sound support structure for the shower or bathoccupant. Such a configuration can be advantageous for structuralreasons to assure a safe handhold for the shower occupant, and for watercontrol reasons—because it does not require piercing a waterproof showeror bath wall. In addition, if the structure is no longer needed, theassist structure can be removed. In an example installation, thestructure may be installed through drywall (into wall studs), which canallow relatively easy repair or patching after removal of the apparatus.This may be particularly desirable, for example, in an apartment complexwhere residents change on a somewhat frequent basis.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example assist structure 102 mounted on a bathwall 104 above a water proof surface 106 of a shower or bath 108. Theassist structure 102 may be used in a shower or a bath, e.g., in adedicated shower stall, or in a bathtub with an adjacent waterproofsurface, such as shown in the combined shower/tub arrangement of FIG. 1.The assist structure 102 may include a mount structure 109 and a supportstructure 118 that extends down from the mount structure 109 and intothe shower or bath area to provide support for a shower occupant (notshown). The mount structure 109 may include a rail 110, and a mountingplate 112 configured to couple with the rail. The rail 110 may becoupled to the wall 104 using screws, bolts, wall anchors, an optionalmount bracket or adapter, adhesives, or other techniques that create asound structural connection between the rail and the wall. A mountingplate 112 may be configured to interface with structural features of therail. For example, the mounting plate may slide into an end of the rail,or may be inserted into the rail at an angle to engage a top lip of therail, rotated down, and lowered to engage a lower lip of the rail.Additional detail on rail features are provided in FIGS. 2-3 and 6-9.Referring again to FIG. 1, the mount structure may include one or morelocking members 114, which may for example be set screws, to releasablyfix the plate in a location relative to the rail. The one or morelocking members can allow for adjustability to position the supportstructure 118 at a desired location in the shower or bath, while alsolocking the support structure into a position to provide firm supportwhen needed (i.e. so the support structure does not move when grabbed bya shower occupant.)

The support structure 118 may include a handhold structure 120. Varioushandhold configurations are possible, as shown for example in FIGS.10-20. The example support structure configuration shown in FIG. 1includes first and second downwardly-extending elongated members 120,122 and a crossbar 124 extending between the elongated members 120, 122.The assist structure 102 may include one or more wall-facing portions orspacers 116, which may be sized, shaped, and configured (and optionallycombined with other structures such as mounting members (e.g., bolts))to provide a space between the support structure 118 and the waterproofsurface 106 so that an occupant can extend fingers through the space togrip the support structure 117. The one or more spacers 116 may, forexample, be configured to provide a space that is 3.8 cm (1½ inches), ormore than 3.8 cm. In some examples, lower portions 126, 128 of theelongated members 120, 122 may extend downward past the cross-bar 124,and may be optionally coupled together by a second crossbar 128. In someexamples, one or more of the crossbar 124, lower portions 126, 128, orsecond crossbar 128 may be usable by a bath or shower occupant as ahand-hold to steady the occupant or assist with moving from a lying orsitting to a standing position. In some examples, upper portions 130,132 of the elongated members may additionally or alternatively be usableas a hand-hold.

While the assist structure 102 is shown mounted on the side portion of abath, an assist structure 102 could alternatively or additionally bemounted to a wall (or other supporting structure) above an end surface107 of a shower or bath. As shown in FIG. 21, two assist structures2102, 2104 may be used in combination to provide additional supportoptions for an occupant.

FIG. 2A is a perspective end view of a rail 200. The rail 200 may, forexample, be formed of aluminum, which may be extruded to create adesired profile. In other examples, the rail may be formed of anothersoft metal, steel, wood, high-strength plastic, or other materials thatare strong enough to provide structural support. The rail may be mountedto a wall above a shower, and may be configured to interface with amount plate of a support structure.

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the example rail 200 (which may be rail 110in FIG. 1) may include a top engagement structure 202 that may include atop lip 204, a bottom engagement structure 206 that may include a bottomlip, and a surface 210 extending between the top engagement structure202 and the bottom engagement structure 202. The top engagementstructure 202, bottom engagement structure 206 and surface 210 maydefine an engagement profile that is sized and shaped to couple to amounting plate, as shown in FIG. 3, or alternatively as shown in FIG.2B. FIG. 2B is an end view of a mounting plate 212 that is insertablefrom a front surface and rotatable into an engaged position with therail 200. In an example, the lower lip 208 is shorter than the upper lip204 so that the mounting plate 212 is retained by the upper lip 204 whenthe mounting plate slides downward into the space 214 between the lowerlip and the surface 210. In some examples, an assist structure may beconfigured so that a rail may be pre-mounted, or left in place after asupport structure is removed, which can be advantageous, for example, inan apartment complex or assisted living residence where some residentsmay need a temporarily or permanently need an assist structure in a bathor shower, and other residents may prefer not to have an assiststructure. By leaving a mounting structure or rail in place, a supportstructure may be selectively installed and uninstalled as needed.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an end 302 of a mounting plate 112 beinginserted into an end 306 of a rail 304 (which may be rail 110 in FIG.1). The mounting plate 302 may slide against a front surface 310 of therail. A front surface 312 of the mounting plate may engage an upperengagement feature 314 and lower engagement feature 316 on the rail. Themounting plate 112 may be slid along the rail 304 to a desired position,for example as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example top portion 402 of a supportstructure 118. A mounting plate 112 may be coupled to first and secondelongated members 120, 122. Top portions 404, 406 of the elongatedmembers 120, 122 may be curved or angled to transition to end portions410, 412 that may be coupled to the mounting plate 112 via welds orbolts, for example. The mounting plate 112 may include one or morethreaded portions (not shown) that are sized and shaped to receive oneor more set screws 414, 416 for releasably locking the mounting plate inplate relative to the rail 110 (not shown in FIG. 4.)

FIG. 5 is an illustration of example spacers 502, 504 coupled to aportion 506 of a support structure. The spacers 502, 504 may optionallybe configured as suction cups to facilitate securing the supportstructure to a bath or shower surface. The spacers 502, 504 may positionthe support structure relative to a bath or shower wall surface so thatan occupant can grab the support structure. In other examples, thespacers can be other shapes (not necessarily configured for suction),such as a cube, rectangular prism, ball, or any other shape that createsthe desired space between the support structure and an adjacent surface.In an example, the spacers 502, 504 may be sized and shaped to create agap of 3.8 cm to 7.6 cm (1.5 to 3 inches) between the support structureand an adjacent surface. In a preferred example, the spacers areconfigured to create a gap of 3.8 cm (1.5 inches.) While two spacers areshown, in other examples an assist structure may include a singlespacer, or two, three, or more spacers. In the example configurationshown in FIG. 5, spacer 502 may be coupled to elongated member 120 shownin FIG. 1, and spacer 504 may be coupled to elongated member 122 shownin FIG. 1. In an example, the portion 506 of the support structure mayinclude one or more threaded holes that may receive a bolt or otherthreaded member that is coupled to a spacer. The threaded couplingarrangement may be advantageous in that, when the structure is assembledin a show or bath, the threaded engagement may allow a user to turn thespacer to advance the spacer toward the elongated member 120 to create agap between the spacer and wall, which may facilitate easier lateralmovement. The threaded coupling may also enable the user to rotate thespacer away from the elongated member 122 (i.e., toward the wall) toachieve a desired spacing (e.g., 1½ inches.)

FIG. 6 is a side view of a top portion of an example support structure600 that includes a mounting plate 602, and an arm 604 (e.g., portion ofthe elongated member 122 in FIG. 1) coupled to the mounting plate 602.The arm may include a first portion 606 extending outward from themounting plate 602 and a second portion 608 extending downward from thefirst portion 606. A gusset 610 may extend between the first portion 606and the second portion 608 to provide structural support. In an example,the mountain plate may be formed of metal plate such as steel oraluminum. The arm may be formed of a compatible metal. For example, thearm may be formed from metal tubes that are cut and welded together. Themetal may be selected to be waterproof, or may be painted or otherwisecoated to be compatible with a high-humidity (or wet) bath or showerenvironment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of an example rail 700 that has a sideprofile defined at least in part by a first engagement structure 702,second engagement structure 704. The side profile may be sized andshaped to receive the mounting plate 602 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is anillustration of the structure of FIG. 6 assembled into the rail of FIG.7. In some examples, two mounting plates 602, 902 may be assembled intothe rail.

The rail 700 may include portions that form holes 706 that are sized andshaped to receive or accommodate mounting components such as screws orbolts for mounting the rail to a wall. In some examples the holes may beformed at regular intervals to enable mounting to walls studs at regulardistances (e.g. 40.6 cm (16 inches or 61 cm (2.4 inches). In someexamples, the rail 700 may be provided without holes, and holes may bedrilled during installation to enable custom-fitting to a particularinstallation situation. In some examples, may be desirable to form therail of extruded aluminum or another soft metal, steel, high strengthplastic, or treated wood to facilitate drilling holes duringinstallation.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example spacer 802 (e.g., suction cup)mounted to a support structure. The spacer 802 may be a suction cup. Thesupport structure 804 may include a connection structure 806 that isconfigured to receive a mounting member 808 such as a bolt. The spacer802, connection structure 806 and mounting member may be sized andshaped to form a gap between the mounting structure and an adjacent wallsurface (not shown) to enable a bath or shower occupant to reach betweenthe support structure and wall to firmly grab the support structure 804.

FIGS. 10-20 show various alternative examples of assist structures. Anassist structure may include one, or more than elongated structure(e.g., arm), that extends downward into the shower or bath. An assiststructure may include varied shapes and numbers of hand-hold structures(e.g., a crossbar), which may be round or straight, and formed at rightangles or other angular configurations. Various curved structures arealso possible. Any of the support structures shown may be coupled to amount structure that may be configured to be mounted above a shower orbath wall. For example, the structures may be coupled to one or moremounting plates 1004 which may be coupled to a mounting structure 1006,but other mounting configurations are also possible. For example, anassist structure may be made (e.g., molded or welded) as an integral orunitary (one-piece) unit, or pieces may bolt, screw, adhere, snap, orotherwise couple together. Any of the example support structures mayinclude or be coupled to spacers (which may be suction cups or otherconfigurations) as previously described.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example support structure 1000 that hasa single elongated member 1002. The support structure 1000 mayoptionally be coupled to a mounting plate 1004 that may couple to amounting structure 1006 such as a rail as previously described.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example support structure configurationwith an elongated member 1102 and a cross-bar 1104. In an example, thecross-bar 1104 or elongated member 1102 may be used as a hand-hold toassist a bath or shower occupant.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example support structure 1200 that hastwo elongated members 1202, 1204 with a cross-bar 1206 extending betweenthem. The structure 1200 may include a second cross-bar 1208 to provideadditional structural support or an addition hand-hold location for abath or shower occupant.

As shown in FIG. 12, any of the examples that include more than oneelongated member may include more than one mounting plate, e.g. eachelongated member may be mounted to a separate mounting plate (as shownin FIG. 12, FIG. 16, and FIG. 20), or a plurality of mounting membersmay be mounted to a single mounting plate (as shown for example in FIG.1, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15).

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example support structure 1300 thatincludes a round hand-hold member 1302 coupled to an elongated member1302 that may be coupled to a mounting structure. The round hand-holdmember 1302 may, for example, be circular (as shown), elliptical,semi-circular, ovular, or egg-shaped.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an example support structure 1400 thatincludes an angled hand-hold 1402. In an example, the angled hand-hold1402 may extend between a first elongated member 1404 and a secondelongated member 1406, which may be shorter than the first elongatedmember. The angled hand-hold may be configured, sized, and shaped to beat an angle that is particularly useful for a shower occupant 1408. Forexample, when an occupant reaches upward a hand-hold that extendsdownward and away from the occupant may be easier to grab based uponconfiguration of the elbow and arm, and the height, angle, and locationof the hand-hold. In some examples, a handhold may be presented as anupward triangle (see FIG. 19) or downward triangle (not shown) toprovide handhold options at convenient orientations for the occupant.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example support structure 1500 thatincludes a polygon-shaped support structure 1502. The polygon-shapedsupport structure 1502 may be rectangular (as shown), or shaped as atriangle (FIG. 19), pentagon (inverted, upright, or rotated fromvertical), hexagon, heptagon, octagon, or more than 8 sides. Thepolygon-shaped support structure may be symmetrical around one or moreaxes, or may be irregular or asymmetric.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example support structure 1600 thatincludes first and second elongated members 1602, 1604, a cross-barhandhold 1606 extending between the elongated members 1602, 1604, andspacers 1608, 1610 coupled to the elongated members 1602, 1604. Thespacers may be coupled near middle portions 1612, 1614 of the elongatedmembers 1602, 1604 as shown, or may alternatively be position near thecross-bar 1606.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example support structure 1700 thatincludes a single elongated member 1704 and a round hand-hold structure1702. A spacer 1706 may be positioned near a middle portion 1708 of theelongated member 1704 (as shown), or may be positioned near thehand-hold structure 1702.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an example support structure 1800 thatincludes a single elongated member 1802, a cross-bar hand-hold structure1804, and a spacer 1806. The example support structure 1800 may include,or be coupled to a shelf 1810 or basked 1812. A shelf or basket 1814 mayadditionally or alternatively be coupled to a mounting plate 1818.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an example support structure 1900 that hasa triangular hand-hold structure 1902. The triangular hand-holdstructure 1902 may he upright (as shown) or inverter (i.e. upside-down,not shown) or rotated at any angle. One or more and preferably at leasttwo of the sides of the triangular structure may be sized shaped andpositioned to be convenient for an occupant to grab. In an example, oneside of the triangular structure (or other polygon or curved orirregular structure) may be convenient for an occupant to grab when theoccupant is on one side (e.g., to the left in FIG. 19) of the structureand another side may be configured to be convenient to grab when theoccupant is on the other side (i.e., to the right in FIG. 19) of thehand-hold structure. Additionally or alternatively, one side of thetriangular structure (or other polygon or curved or irregular structure)may be convenient for an occupant to grab from a sitting position andanother side may be convenient to grab from a standing position.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of an example support structure that includesan adjustable hand-hold structure 2002. For example, the hand-holdstructure 2002 may be configured to couple to holes in first and secondelongated members 2004, 2006 so that an appropriate angle may beselected based upon the height or preference of the occupant or the sizeor configuration of the shower or bath. While three mounting locations2010, 2012, 2014, 2020, 2022, 2024 are shown on each elongated member2004, 2006, more (e.g., five, six or up to 10 or more) or fewer (atleast two on at least one of the members) mounting locations may beprovided. In other examples, a sliding or ratchet-like couplingarrangement (e.g. lockable sleeve that may lock by engaging features onthe members or using pins) may be used to provide adjustability inheight or angular position or both.

Any of the examples described or shown herein may be provided as a kitthat may be assembled or installed or both in a bathroom or showerstall. In some examples, two kits may be used together, or a kit mayinclude two assist structures. For example, FIG. 21 is an illustrationof first and second support structures installed in a bath or showerstall.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustration of an example method. At 2202 amounting structure is installed above a bath or shower. Installing amounting structure above a bath or shower, as opposed to in a bath orshower, may offer advantages in the convenience or structural integrityof mounting, the ability to find and fasten to a wall stud, theavoidance of potential leaks due to penetration of a waterproof surface,and the potential for removal of the device with minimal necessaryrepair (e.g. drywall patching and painting vs. re-installing orre-tiling a bath or shower.) At 2204, a support structure is coupled tothe mounting structure. For example, a mounting plate may be coupled toa mounted rail. At 2206, a lower portion of the support structure ispositioned in the bath or shower. For example, the support structure maybe positioned laterally (e.g. by sliding a mounting plate in a rail) andmay be spaced from the shower or bath wall using spacers. The supportstructure may be held in place by securing the structure with respect tothe mounting structure (e.g. coupling a mounting plate to a rail using aset screw or bracket or other locking feature)

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can becombined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of theother examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and anydocuments so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

Geometric terms, such as “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “round”, or“square”, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision,unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric termsallow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. Forexample, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round”, acomponent that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightlyoblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by description.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A assist structure comprising: a mount structureconfigured to mount above a shower or bath wall; and a support structureconfigured to couple to the mount structure, extend downward over theshower or bath wall, and contact the shower or bath wall.
 2. The assiststructure of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a hand holdstructure configured to support to a human shower occupant.
 3. Theassist structure of claim 1, further comprising a spacer coupled to thesupport structure, the spacer configured to contact the shower or bathwall.
 4. The assist structure of claim 1, wherein the mount structureincludes a rail configured to install against a wall above the shower orbath wall, and the support structure is configured couple to the rail.5. The assist structure of claim 4, wherein the rail provides a securemounting connection to hold the support structure without penetration ofthe shower or bath wall.
 6. The assist structure of claim 5, wherein themount structure includes a mounting plate configured to couple to themount structure, the support structure being coupled to the mountingplate.
 7. The assist structure of claim 6, wherein the mounting plate isslidably coupled to the mount structure.
 8. The assist structure ofclaim 7, wherein the mounting plate is selectively securable to themount structure to prevent sliding of the mounting plate with respect tothe mount structure.
 9. The assist structure of claim 1, wherein thesupport structure includes a first member coupled to the mount structureand extending downward over the shower or bath wall, a second membercoupled to the mount structure and extending downward over the shower orbath wall, and a first crossbar extending between the first member andthe second member.
 10. The assist structure of claim 9, furthercomprising a second crossbar extending between the first member and thesecond member.
 11. The assist structure of claim 9, further comprising afirst spacer coupled to the first member at an intersection of the firstcrossbar with the first member, and a second spacer coupled to thesecond member at an intersection of the first crossbar with the secondmember.
 12. The assist structure of claim 11, wherein the first spacerincludes a suction cup.
 13. The assist structure of claim I, furthercomprising a suction cup coupled to the support structure.
 14. Theassist structure of claim 13, wherein the suction cup includes athreaded member and the support structure includes a threaded hole, thethreaded member being configured to screw into the threaded hole tosecure the suction cup to the support structure.
 15. The assiststructure of claim 14, wherein the support structure includes a shelf orbasket.
 16. A assist kit for providing a hand support to a shower orbath occupant without puncturing a waterproof surface, the kitcomprising: a mount structure configured to mount to a wall above awaterproof shower or bath surface; and a support structure including: afirst portion configured to couple to the mount structure; a secondportion extending downward from the first portion; a wall-facing portioncoupled to the second portion, the wall-facing portion configured tocontact a waterproof shower or bath surface; a hand hold structurecoupled to the second portion of the support structure, the hand holdstructure configured to support a shower or bath occupant; wherein whenthe kit is installed in a shower or bath the hand hold structure issupported by the wall above the shower or bath surface withoutpuncturing the waterproof shower or bath surface.
 17. The assist kit ofclaim 16, wherein the mount structure and the support are a unitarystructure.
 18. The assist kit of claim 17, wherein the mount structureincludes a rail having a top lip and a bottom lip that together define aside profile, and a mounting plate sized and shaped to securely fitwithin the side profile, the mounting plate being slidably coupled tothe rail under the top lip and the bottom lip.
 19. A method ofinstalling an assist structure in a bath or shower stall comprising:installing a mounting member to a wall above the bath or shower stall;coupling a support structure to the mounting member; and positioning alower part of the support structure in the bath or shower stall withoutmaking a hole in the bath or shower stall.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein installing a mounting member to a wall above the bath or showerstall includes mounting a rail to the wall, and the method includesslidably coupling the support structure to the rail and fixing thesupport structure with respect to the rail to prevent sliding; andwherein positioning the lower part of the support structure to theshower stall includes coupling the support structure to the bath orshower stall with a suction cup.